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List of Short Perennial Plants

By T.M. Samuels; Updated September 21, 2017

Plants that are under 2 feet tall do well against taller garden plants. Perennials that are in this category are a good choice, in that you plant them once and get years to enjoy them in their growing season. Short perennial plants are good for window boxes, patio planters, office desks and the front of gardens.

Venus Flytrap

The Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) is from the sundew family. It is a wetland perennial with 4- to 6-inch rosettes of leaves. Leaves look like clam shells and trap prey to eat. White blooms come in May and June, giving way to fruit with black seeds. Grow Venus flytrap in full to partial sun or bright light for containers indoors. They prefer 80 percent humidity. Propagate via seed, division, or leaf cuttings in spring and summer.

Moonflower Vine

The moonflower vine, Ipomoea alba, is from the morning glory family. It is a fragrant, fast-growing perennial vine. It is easy to grow and great for containers. Leaves are heart-shaped, 4 to 8 inches long and a brilliant green. Moonflower blooms in the late afternoon through evening. Flowers are white, 5 to 6 inches wide and funnel-shaped. Grow a moonflower vine in well-drained moist soil in full to partial sun. Propagate by rooting the runners on the vine or by seed.

Blue Flies

The blue-eyed iris or blue flies (Aristea ecklonii) is from the iris family. It is an evergreen perennial good for shade and for container gardening. Leaves are 15 to 18 inches tall in a clump with flower stalks. Spring or summer brings blue flowers on the stalks. Grow blue flies in full sun or light shade. Soil should be well-drained, moist, and richly organic. Propagate by division or by seed.

Summer Snowflake

The summer snowflake, Leucojum aestivum, is from the amaryllis family. It is an easy to grow perennial. Leaves are 1 to 2 feet long and strap-like. Flowers are white, bell-shaped and 1 inch wide. Flowers appear in winter and early spring. Grow summer snowflakes in full sun to light shade in any moist well drained soil. It is drought tolerant. Propagate via division every 3 to 5 years.

Garlic

Garlic (Allium sativum) is from the amaryllis family. It is a perennial. Flat leaves adorn this 1 to 2 feet tall plant. Bulbs are cloved, in six to 20 segments. Grow garlic in full sun or partial shade. Propagate via division.

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About the Author

T.M. Samuels has been a freelance writer since 1993. She has published works in "Arthritis Today," "Alabama Living" and "Mature Years," and is the author of a gardening book. Samuels studied pre-medicine at Berry College.